Packing List
November Packing List for New Orleans — What to Wear & Bring
November brings genuinely pleasant weather to New Orleans — 72°F highs and 54°F lows with 8 rain days. The oppressive summer humidity is gone, and the city enters its fall festival season. Po-Boy Fest (usually mid-November) and the beginning of holiday celebrations bring moderate crowds without the intensity of Mardi Gras or summer events. This is ideal layering weather: light clothes for warm afternoons, a medium jacket for 54°F evenings, and rain gear for the occasional Gulf storm.
Averages 54–72°F, ~8 days of rain
Clothing
November's 72°F/54°F temperature range in New Orleans is ideal layering weather — a light sweater or long-sleeve top works for morning walks through the Garden District's oak-canopied streets and can be worn alone during warm afternoons browsing Royal Street galleries.
November evenings in New Orleans drop to 54°F, and the damp Gulf air makes that feel cooler — a medium-weight jacket is essential for evening walks on Frenchmen Street, dinner at outdoor restaurant patios in the Marigny, or the St. Charles streetcar ride after dark.
With 54°F lows, November is the first month since March where full-length pants are consistently comfortable in New Orleans — jeans work for the casual dress code at most restaurants from Mother's on Poydras Street to Jacques-Imo's on Oak Street.
November's temperate weather makes outdoor dining ideal — the courtyards at Brennan's, Bayona, and Café Amelie in the French Quarter are at their most comfortable, and a smart-casual outfit suits the evening atmosphere.
November's 72°F highs can feel warm in direct sun, especially during midday walks along the Riverwalk or through City Park's Sculpture Garden — packing one pair of shorts gives you the option for warmer-than-expected days.
Footwear
November's comfortable temperatures invite all-day outdoor exploring in New Orleans — the Garden District walking tour, Magazine Street's 6-mile boutique corridor, and the French Quarter's cobblestone streets all demand flat shoes with grip and arch support for high-mileage days.
At 54°F evening lows, November is ankle boot season in New Orleans — a low-heeled pair handles the Marigny's uneven sidewalks, looks polished for dinner reservations, and provides warmth during evening walks that sandals don't offer.
November's 8 rain days still bring Gulf storms capable of flooding the French Quarter's low-lying blocks — water-resistant shoes or boots provide practical protection on rain days when Bourbon Street's drainage can't keep up.
Accessories
November's 54°F evenings on the Mississippi River levee, the St. Charles streetcar, or outdoor jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street carry a genuine chill after months of heat — a scarf adds warmth and versatility to evening outfits.
With 8 rain days, November still sees meaningful rainfall in New Orleans — the Gulf storms are less frequent than summer but can be heavy, and a packable rain jacket remains essential gear for any day bag.
November's clear days in New Orleans — especially walking along the open Riverwalk or through City Park — feature low-angle sun that hits eyes directly during morning and late afternoon walks.
The French Quarter draws steady crowds in November as the holiday season begins, and a secure crossbody bag keeps essentials safe during walks through the French Market, Jackson Square's artist stalls, and the increasingly busy Bourbon Street.
Local tips for New Orleans in November
- 1.The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (typically mid-November) is a free outdoor food festival along the Oak Street commercial corridor in the Carrollton neighborhood — wear comfortable walking shoes and bring cash, as many vendors are cash-only. The street fills up fast, so arrive early and dress in layers for the 54–72°F temperature range.
- 2.November marks the start of New Orleans' holiday season — NOLA ChristmasFest, Celebration in the Oaks in City Park, and Reveillon dinners at restaurants like Arnaud's and Antoine's begin in late November. If you're visiting Thanksgiving week, pack one smart-casual outfit for the holiday dining scene.
- 3.This is one of the best months for walking tours in New Orleans — the Garden District cemetery tours, French Quarter ghost tours, and Tremé heritage walks are all far more comfortable at 72°F than in summer's 91°F. Book morning tours and bring a light layer for the shaded, cooler cemetery paths.